Noise Level Measurement with Mobile Devices, Location Services, and Environmental Response

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for noise management are disclosed. In one example, a method includes receiving a plurality of noise level measurements taken at a plurality of headsets. The method includes receiving a plurality of location data, including receiving a location data associated with each headset in the plurality of headsets. In one example, the method further includes adjusting an environmental parameter utilizing the noise level measurements. In one example, the method further includes providing location services to a user directing the user to a geographical area having a lower noise level.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]As real estate utilization increases and offices become more densely packed, speech noise is becoming an increasingly challenging problem. Intelligible speech decreases productivity, speech privacy, and comfort.[0002]There is a need for quiet in the workplace. According to research by Gensler, American knowledge workers spend 54% of their workweek focusing—as compared to collaborating (24%), learning (5%), socializing (8%), or other (9%). When focusing, 53% of employees are disturbed by others, with speech noise being the top distraction. Speech noise does not occur uniformly throughout an office, but rather differentially with respect to time and location.[0003]Sound masking—the introduction of constant background noise in order to reduce speech intelligibility, increase speech privacy, and increase acoustical comfort—is increasingly incorporated into offices as a solution. Sound masking typically relies on filtered pink noise played by speakers in ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a problem of excessive noise in offices and the need for a system to manage noise levels. The text describes various methods and apparatuses for noise management, including sound masking and the use of acoustic design. However, these solutions are often inadequate to provide the necessary desired quiet. The technical effects of the patent text include improved methods and apparatuses for noise management, including the use of mobile devices and location services to better identify and address noise levels in different areas of the office.

Problems solved by technology

As real estate utilization increases and offices become more densely packed, speech noise is becoming an increasingly challenging problem.

Intelligible speech decreases productivity, speech privacy, and comfort.

One problem in designing an optimal sound masking system relates to setting the proper masking levels.

The problem with this is that office noise fluctuates over time and by location, and different masking levels are required for different areas and at different times. An acoustical consultant installing a sound masking system outside of normal working hours is unlikely to properly address this problem and the masking levels will therefore be sub-optimal.

However, these solutions are often inadequate to provide the necessary desired quiet.

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